Euphemisms are used to soften harsh realities or make sensitive topics less direct. Here's a breakdown of synonyms and related terms, categorized by the aspect they emphasize:
Focusing on Softening or Obscuring:
- Circumlocution
- Indirectness
- Subterfuge
- Double entendre (when suggestive)
- Equivocation
- Prevarication
- Ambiguity
- Obfuscation
Focusing on Politeness or Tact:
- Gentle language
- Diplomatic expression
- Delicate term
- Refined language
- Civil expression
- Polite term
Focusing on Replacing Unpleasant Words:
- Substitute term
- Alternative phrasing
- Softer word
- Cover term
Related Concepts (but not direct synonyms):
- Minimization: Downplaying the severity of something.
- Understatement: Expressing something as less important than it is.
- Verbal disguise: Hiding the true meaning behind words.
- Jargon: specialized terms used to obscure meaning from outsiders.
- Colloquialism: an informal word or phrase.
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